What to love whilst losing

I still lack confidence when playing Malifaux even after multiple tournaments and tens of friendly games. I get serious, all too serious. Maybe this is a problem of mindset; I don't start a game planning to win but simply to not lose. I tend to rush the game and get my models in harm's way early on. And kick myself. On the other hand I think getting my models blasted off the board is more fun than edging around each other. Which is why I seem not to have learnt my lesson.

Some of the best games have been against people way better than me with beautiful models and smashing deployment and movement strategies. Even if I don't win much I still love the aesthetic and the complexity of the game.

Top of my list of things to remind myself I love about Malifaux even when on a losing streak: The humour. Let's take some rosy instances:

#TOMB2 Month Three: Nekima Rises (or not)

Month Three Hobby
Well here we are at the end of another month. This month was both more and far less successful than the previous months. I got 2 games in this month with Zoraida (more than the first two months combined). However, due to the realities of real life getting in the way (as I am currently in the process of moving to a new place so haven't had much time to set up my stuff and paint) I have not finished Nekima for the end of Month 3 :(. I'm probably about 50% done her at best and doubt I will have much more time this month to paint until I've finished the process of moving into a new place. So rather than focus on the painting failures, below I have included summaries of the two games I played with Zoraida this month.

The end is fucking cancelled

This is a very negative sounding post about me being positive, or more likely an excuse for me to ramble on without have an actual point.

We all enjoy Malifaux and it's a great time to be involved it the game, there are tournaments and events every week all over the country, there are amazing new releases on a regular basis and most importantly there are hundreds of gamers passionate about the game.

This wasn't always the case, even newer players can remember a time when you had to hunt around for a Malifaux stockist and your chance of finding a regular game let alone a well attended event was weak. I don't want to sound like a doomsayer but that time will come again.

All games have peaks and troughs when it comes to popularity both in local metas and on national levels it's in the nature of most gamers to love the new shiney or to get burnt out on the regular games. 

We're seeing it a lot right now with people getting hooked on the current  load of kickstarter payouts like Guild Ball and Wrath of Kings. If the games are good some people will switch completely, some will drift between games and some will run back with a renewed love of Malfaux.

From Rasputina to Ironsides

I have a number of arcanists models, all to work with my one master, Raspy.

People keep asking me whether I will move on to a new master soon. This is completely understandable, so many cool masters and models I am missing out on. One that, dare I admit, might better suit my play style.

I keep an eye on what I particularly admire when I play against other masters. One of the actions I most envy is giving out/having extra AP or at least pushing others. That and disappearing and reappearing on the board (e.g. Hello/Goodbye Levi).

Ironsides: tough, gains adrenaline in the fray, mobility tricks.

Highlights:

• "Good shot, my turn." Tome defensive trigger gives out damage when she suffers damage from a ml attack.
• "You looking at me." Lure-like (1) action that pulls all models their cg. Then forces a ml attack (opportunity for "Good shot, my turn").
• "Rush 'em" - (0) action that pushes into base contact up to 6in with enemy model.

Why did you choose your Faction?

A question that often comes up when you are talking to someone new to the game is choosing a faction, and why go with X or Y. Some of course might target the crew/faction/team that they feel has the most advantages however most, and especially I feel in the Malifaux community, it comes down to feel.

So we have each gathered our thoughts and put together a short blurb on why we have chosen our main faction(s).

Starting a new crew

Starting a new crew is something I tend to do every few months and I always start it with the best intentions "I'll paint this crew to a decent standard" or "I'll completely learn this crew and practice with them" (or the most favourite "after this I don't need any more models") Things don't always work this way as I am prone to saying "good enough" and then coasting through the rest of a project. 

Because of this I'll never be able to tell you how to master a crew or how to win a painting contest but what I can tell you is how I go about starting a new project.

Sorting the good from the bad (pt 2)

Hi

This is part two of my good and bad habits series.

PART 2 BAD HABITS!

Introducing Lady J

It has been an age since I have added some content to our blog which is pretty shocking considering that while it was Insidious' brain child I did partner up to get it going.

My excuses are pretty straight forward, I'm now a dad, work is busy and have been gaming and painting instead of writing.

So, on with the post. Introducing Lady J is today's topic. She was the second Guild master I purchased, after Sonnia and I have really taken to her and run with her in the last two comps I have attended winning 4 and 3 losing, so while not stellar the loses were close (one due to a silly mistake by allowing a Flesh Golem to reactivate) and generally against masters I had never seen before which always shakes things up.

Sorting the good from the bad (pt1)

Well I’ve been playing Malifaux for coming up to a year now. I’ve enjoyed it loads and thought I’d share some of my reflections on what I’ve learned as I gorge on Chocolate Eggs.

I’ve played the Viktorias, Nicodem, Mei Fang and Yan Lo as my masters so far. I don’t tend to master swap for strategies or schemes. I have Misaki, Kirai, Von Schill, Seamus and McMourning waiting for a go on the table.

I thought I’d list some things I’ve learned, good habits and bad habbits.